Worship Provides an Opportunity for Us to Recognize that God is in Control

Exodus 15:2—The Lord is my strength and my defense, he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him

Let’s reflect for a moment and remember what God had just done for the Israelites. The people cried out to God and He listened. He sent Moses to confront the Pharaoh and demand that he released God’s people. Pharaoh hardened his heart and kept on denying the request. After ten powerful and personal plagues, he relented and allowed the people to leave.

Israel were no longer slaves or servants, but now they were a free people. They marched out in victory with their heads held high. God even gave them some of the spoils of Egypt to help them on their journey. After a long and difficult march, they finally made it to the banks of the Red Sea. Just when they thought they were free, the situation seemed hopeless. There was a sea in front of them and an army behind them. There was no way out.

There was no way out if they had to rely on their own strength, but God stepped in again. Moses held out his staff and God caused a mighty wind to come and part the Red Sea all night long so the people could travel across on dry ground. What a sight! And just as they made it to the other side the wind stopped, the waters closed in and washed away the enemies of Israel.

I love what Moses does next. The very first thing he does is he pauses and gives God the glory. Exodus 15 starts off by telling us that Moses wrote a song of worship. It was his way of reminding the people that it was not him who had performed the mighty acts, but that it was their God who had done it. What a great example for us.

Often, we are quick to claim the credit for the good things that happen in our lives. We behave as if the victories are the result of our own talents and efforts. Yes, God uses us, but like Moses, we must remember that we are only the vessels and that it is God who is working in and through us.

So, what can we take away from this?

We must listen to and obey God.

Go when He says go and stop when He says stop.

Remind ourselves that it is God who is doing the work.

Remind others that it is God who is doing the work.

And finally, be quick to thank God and turn the attention of others to Him.